Emirates to launch flights to 3 new Asian destinations

Dubai: Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates, announced Monday plans to strengthen its presence across Asia by launching flights to three new Asian destinations - Shenzhen in China, Da Nang in Vietnam, and Siem Reap in Cambodia.

The world’s largest international airline will launch daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Shenzhen from July 1. The airline will also introduce four weekly services to Da Nang on June 2 and three weekly flights to Siem Reap on June 3, with both cities connecting via Bangkok. The airline said flight launches are subject to government approvals.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Our expansion into Shenzhen opens new doors for business and economic exchange between this technological powerhouse and global markets.” Meanwhile, Kazim said that Vietnam holds a strategic place in the Emirates’ Southeast Asia network, following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Vietnam.

Emirates now flies to 24 destinations in East Asia, offering 269 weekly flights from Dubai – making it the largest and most diversified route network among any non-Asian East Asian airline. The latest expansion also marks Emirates’ fourth gateway into the Chinese mainland, third destination in Vietnam and second point in Cambodia.

“Emirates is also making it easier for travellers to connect to Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia’s most popular destinations with its incredible ancient wonders and natural beauty,” he stated.

With the launch to Shenzhen, Emirates will now become the first Middle Eastern carrier to serve China’s tech hub. The airline will serve the route with Emirates’ upgraded Boeing 777-300ER, featuring four-class cabins, including Premium Economy.

Moreover, Emirates said the flight times to the Chinese city have been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points across Africa, the Middle East/GCC, Europe, and the Americas. The airline also expects to transport 10 tonnes of cargo per flight, supporting high-tech and e-commerce exports.

Emirates’ four weekly services to Da Nang via Bangkok make it the airline’s third gateway into Vietnam, after Hanoi and Ho Chih Minh City. Flights to Da Nang will operate with the Emirates Boeing 777 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, part of Emirates’ summer schedule.

Emirates will operate three weekly flights to Siem Reap on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with a stop in Bangkok. Emirates said the service is designed to offer leisure connections for travellers from France, the UK, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Russia. Both services will operate with Emirates’ two-class Boeing 777-300ER.